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Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is viewed as a developmental neurobiological disorder. The increased reported incidence of ASD over the past two decades has stimulated growth in research on etiology, diagnosis, treatment, as well as service provision. The expanded community awareness of ASD has magnified the growing numbers and needs of adults with ASD living in the community. As we look to the future, the study of ASD is progressing rapidly in several ways: upcoming proposed changes in DSM-5 may result in separate diagnostic classifications being subsumed under one category of ASD (www.dsm5.org); a new understanding of the early and likely prenatal, developmental neurobiological events that lead to subsequent brain developmental abnormalities; longitudinal research studies of “at risk” infant siblings defining the earliest signs or symptoms of ASD, both toward improving early diagnosis and for implications reflecting a disorder of complex or integrative information processing; changes in the psychopharmacological treatment has led to two medications being approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and likely others, specifically to target symptoms; growth of Complementary and Alternative Treatments in ASD needs to result in well controlled scientific studies to test these interventions; and advancements are also expected in educational approaches, behavioral treatments, communication interventions, sensory therapies, social skills competency training, and adapted cognitive psychotherapies.

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